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Cometary dynamics by Paul R. Weissman is a Physics and Astronomy article available to read on EtoBox.

What is Cometary dynamics about?

The modern theory of cometary dynamics is based on Oort's hypothesis that the solar system is surrounded by a spherically symmetric cloud of 101~ to 10 ~2 comets extending out to interstellar distances. Dynamical modeling and analysis of cometary motion have confirmed the ability of the Oort hypothesis to explain the observed distribution of energies for the long-period comet orbits. The motion of comets in the Oort cloud is controlled by perturbations from random passing stars, interstellar clouds, and the galactic gravitational field. Additionally, comets which enter the planetary region are perturbed by the major planets and by nongravitational forces resulting from jetting of volatiles on the surfaces of the cometary nuclei. The current Oort cloud is estimated to have a radius of 6 to 8 x 104 AU, and to contain some 2 x 10 ~2 comets with a total mass of 7 to 8 Earth masses. Evidence has begun to accumulate for the existence of a massive inner Oort cloud extending from just beyond the orbit of Neptune to 104 AU or more, with a population up to 100 times that of the outer Oort cloud. This inner cloud may serve as a reservoir to replenish the outer cloud as comets are stripped awa

Who reads Cometary dynamics?

Author

Paul R. Weissman

Publisher

Springer Netherlands; Springer-Verlag; Kluwer Academic Publishers; Springer Science and Business Media LLC (ISSN 0038-6308)

Published

1985

Language

EN

Field

Physics and Astronomy (Physical Sciences)